Discocactus horstii

Frost Tolerance: Should be kept at above 60° F (15° C) if grown on its own roots

Sun Exposure: Full sun or afternoon shade

Origin: Brazil (Minas Gerais)

Growth Habits: Solitary globose cactus, up to 3 inches in diameter (8 cm); up to 20 prominent ribs; 8 to 10 light colored spines in a comb like arrangement, 0.2 inch long (5 mm)

Watering Needs: Very rot-prone if grown on its own roots.

Propagation: Seeds, generally grafted

Discocactus horstii is one of the most researched cactus. It is generally grafted because it is slow growing and very rot prone when kept on its own roots. It was named after the Brazilian collector Leopoldo Horst, and his wife Melita, who discovered the plant in the sixties.

Blooming Habits:
The lightly scented flowers are 3 inches long (7.5 cm), 2.4 inches in diameter (6 cm). They come in profusion in summer, out of a cephalium covered with white wool and bristles.